The match looked like it was heading for a goalless draw until Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon got a touch on James McClean's 74th minute free-kick that took the ball past Palace 'keeper Wayne Hennessey.

Palace had dominated the match in terms of possession with 63% in their favour, but the two sides only managed seven shots on target between them.

Pardew also said to BBC Sport after the game that want-away winger Yannick Bolasie is close to completing a move to Everton.

He added: "It's fair to say we know his heart and soul may be elsewhere."

Alan Pardew looks on as his side fail to trouble the scorers

Pardew is finding himself increasingly under pressure among Palace fans.

The South London side has now lost more games and scored fewer goals than any other side in 2016 with the exception of relegated Aston Villa.

In the aftermath of the opening-day defeat, Palace fans took to Twitter to register their disillusionment with the manager, with #Pardewout being used by some disgruntled fans.

I'm done for today, my last thought of the night is similar to what it has been for the last 6 months #pardewout#CPFC

Elgan Alderman

Hailing from South Wales via Durham University, Elgan is currently studying for an MA in Journalism whilst hoping that Wales' golden generation extends to writing. His jokes can sometimes be heard on Radio 4, but not as often as he'd like.